Aims of the A38 scheme

Over the next 15 years, the Local Plan is set to deliver almost 24,000 new homes to North Somerset. In addition, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) predict their population will grow by 133,000 adults by 2040. There is further expected population growth across the border in Somerset County. 

The A38 is a key regional transport link between Bristol and Somerset. It connects communities to homes, health, education, leisure and jobs. This route will quickly reach capacity if we are not prepared for regional population growth. 

Not only will capacity issues impact on connectivity between communities, homes and economy, but they increase existing risks of traffic collisions and congestion. This is why it is vital that the A38 is given an upgrade. it needs to allow residents and visitors to continue to unlock the region’s potential over many years to come.

The A38 Major Road Network (MRN) offers a solution. This scheme is focused on preparedness consisting of nine targeted upgrades along the A38 corridor. 

Each upgrade is carefully designed to complement the others, future proofing the route to tackle the pressures that come with economic and population growth. 

Delivered in partnership with Somerset Council, the MRN improvements will

• work together to increase network capacity and connectivity, reduce risk of traffic collisions and improve safety for all road users
• offer greater journey reliability times and provide residents with more choice as to how journeys are made.
  • This will happen via upgraded walking, cycling and public transport connections
• support the regional economy by making it easier to reach significant employers (e.g. Gravity Enterprise Zone, Thatcher’s Cider and Bristol Airport), small businesses, and much needed new homes
• improve network resilience, particularly when the road acts as a diversion route for issues on the M5
• address carbon impacts:
  • the scheme includes improvements to walking, cycling and horse-riding, letting local people travel confidently, safely and sustainably
  • it will also include better links to the Strawberry Line, as well as new infrastructure that paves the way for future public transport expansion
• offer greater choice as to how residents get from A to B:
  • this will provide people with options that allow them to leave their car at home
  • knock-on benefits include reducing overall traffic on the road along with associated congestion related carbon impacts

The A38 MRN forms part of our wider approach to upgrading and improving local access and infrastructure. We see this as a means of unlocking opportunity for residents. 

Alongside the A38 MRN, we are also working on additional improvement projects, such as:

• Banwell bypass
• bus service improvement plan (BSIP)
• replacement of Winterstoke Road Bridge
• National Highways works at M5 Junction 21.

Our goal is for these projects to work together to create a transport network that is more than the sum of its parts.  

When complete, these infrastructure schemes will modernise the way we get around.  Whether travelling in or out of the area, it will allow our residents to prepare for, and capitalise on, the bright prospects of regional growth well into the future.